The camp of businessman and gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang said it will challenge the court order directing the issuance of an arrest warrant in connection with the disappearance of several sabungeros.
Ang’s lead counsel, Atty. Gabriel Villareal described the decision of the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court as “premature,” arguing that the issuance of the warrant failed to meet constitutional standards.
Villareal said the court allegedly relied on incomplete and one-sided information submitted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in determining probable cause, without fully considering the counter-affidavits and evidence presented by the respondents, including Ang.
The lawyer stressed that his client’s rights and due process were violated, prompting the defense to exhaust all available legal remedies to question the arrest order.
Villareal also reiterated Ang’s claim of innocence, saying the accusations stemmed mainly from the testimony of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” which he said should not be the sole basis for filing charges.
